10 weirdest sci-fi movies of the 1980s

Already known for their imaginative, often futuristic worlds, many sci-fi films of the 1980s were positively even weirder. Certain filmmakers, including John Carpenter and Terry Gilliam, have taken advantage of the creative possibilities. The genre had to offer and wound up creating memorable and funny films that both alienated and welcomed audiences into the already complex stories associated with science fiction.

In addition, most sci-fi films involve commentary on political or social issues. Films like The stuff And They live are just two examples of films with deeper meanings told through unexpected lensesLike a killer, addictive dessert or sunglasses that show an alternate reality when you look through them. The weird sci-fi films of the decade evoke a range of emotions, from laughter to discomfort, and ask audiences to let go and trust the rules established in their unconventional sci-fi worlds.

10

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)

A man of many talents helps stop an alien invasion

A few years before he became the title character in RobocopPeter Weller directed the sci-fi comedy The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension. Buckaroo Banzai is centered around the titular surgeon and rock star tasked with protecting the world from an alien invasion. The plot seems simple enough, however The characters and events in the film are wildly unpredictableMaking for a divisive viewing experience.

Some viewers and critics have felt Buckaroo Banzai Fails in its ambitions to be weird and fuse as many genres as it does. however, Buckaroo Banzai has still earned a cult following over the years. The wackiness of the sci-fi adventure allows for an easy viewing experience, which is not always guaranteed by the genre.

Rather than being bogged down by detailed knowledge that audiences must accept to understand the rest of the film, Buckaroo Banzai‘s eccentric world simply asks audiences to let go and join in on the fun.

9

The Blob (1988)

A gelatinous creature takes the lives of many

In the same vein as some other sci-fi horror films, The blob Attempt to create social commentary with its strange and unexpected antagonist. The blob Gets its name from an acid organism that attacks unsuspecting people by slowly decomposing their bodies. As a remake of a 1958 film of the same name, the 80s version explains that the blob is a biological weapon created by a secret agency.

In the original film, the villain is seen as an alien-like creature from outer space. Deciding what background makes for a scary killer is up to the individual. As terrifying as the blob is as the film’s killer, it’s also inevitably weird. Throughout the film, Various people are attacked by the jealous creature in both comical and horrific ways.Including one man who is slowly disintegrating as he is pulled down a sink drain by the blob.

8

The Stuff (1985)

The rising popularity of a new treat has deadly consequences

Both a cheesy horror film and a weird sci-fi story, The stuff is a satirical tale about consumerism in America. The stuff Follows the deadly impact a popular dessert has on those who eat it. The addictive ice cream-like treat itself is the main source of chaos in the film, which is quite funny. Audiences can’t help but laugh at the idea of ​​a good dessert that is alive and inciting fear in people.

Director Larry Cohen said that the inspiration for the film comes from the fact that people are constantly being sold harmful junk food that is made to be addictive.

unfortunately, The stuffThe goofy premise is distracting and its intended commentary is lost for most of the film. The horror elements, meant to represent the dangers of corporate greed, don’t quite work, but what’s left is a wonderfully weird sci-fi film with a unique villain.

7

Repo Man (1984)

Extraterrestrials hide on Earth and take the lives of humans

Directed by Alex Cox, Repo man is an unapologetically unconventional film about a young punk rock character who is hired by a car repossessing company and is looking for a car that the police offers a large reward. The foundations of sci-fi become clear as soon as it is revealed that the missing car may hold dangerous extraterrestrials in its trunk. It’s a bit of a commentary on consumerism, but like many sci-fi films during the decade, it’s through a satirical lens.

Repo man It quickly became one of the most successful films the year it was released And the love for his humor and quirky characters has continued over the years. In addition to its strange history, Repo man is also remembered best for its soundtrack. Featuring artists like Iggy Pop and The Plugz, Repo mans punk rock soundtrack is perfectly suited for the decade.

6

Lifeforce (1985)

Vampire aliens descend on the earth looking for human victims

Now considered one of Tobe Hooper’s best horror movies, Lifeforce Earned largely negative reviews when it was released. The film is based on The Space VampiresA sci-fi novel by Colin Wilson. Both the film and the novel have a weird premise that revolves around alien vampires making their way to Earth and wreaking havoc.

Despite its description sounding like that of any other ambitious sci-fi film, there is a lot to enjoy in it Lifeforce. Hooper melds the sci-fi and horror genres together extremely well, and the special effects depicting the drained, shrivelled human victims of the aliens hold up by today’s standards.

Although it may now be considered a cult film, The strange elements throughout Lifeforce have divided moviegoers and critics alike. Some call Hooper’s film fascinating and a stand-out among other films about vampires, but most seem to think Lifeforce Does not quite pull off his strange thoughts.

5

Brazil (1985)

A person faces real-life consequences as a result of his daydreams

Terry Gilliam’s visually immersive film Brazil Makes commentary on various topics, including hyper-surveillance, which sparks inevitable comparisons to George Orwell’s Nineteen eighty-four. Brazil Follows a bureaucrat in his quest to find a woman of his dreams. Brazil Earned high levels of praise after its release in Europe, and although it struggled to perform as well in other parts of the world, It earned a dedicated following and managed to receive two Academy Award nominations.

The plot is not the easiest to follow, but the overall weird nature and comedic tone in Brazil are what’s mentioned most about him. The visual style of Brazil has inspired countless filmmakers over the past decades, including The Hoodsucker proxy By the Coen brothers and Tim Burton’s Batman. The premise of Brazil May not be for everyone, but it is guaranteed to stick with those who are willing to give it a chance.

4

Weird Science (1985)

Two boys are inspired by Frankenstein and create the perfect girl

After a few months The Breakfast Club, Weird scienceDirected by John Hughes, was released in the same year. As the title of Hughes’ rare foray into the sci-fi genre suggests, the film can get weird. Weird science Starring Ilan Mitchell-Smith, Kelly LeBrock, and Hughes’ frequent collaborator, Anthony Michael Hall. The film is about two inexperienced teenage boys who use a computer to make their dream woman To help them achieve a similar path in life as their more popular peers.

Weird scienceThe story is based on Al Feldstein’s 1951 comic “Made from the Future” and translates incredibly well to the screen. The funny and charming in Weird science Could have easily veered into creepy territory if the film’s song had been presented as stock characters. Instead, the heart and depth of the boys, Gary and Wyatt, and their manufactured dream girl, Lisa, helped Weird science Become one of Hughes’ best films.

3

From Beyond (1986)

A scientist opens another dimension

Ranked high among Stuart Gordon’s best films, from beyond is an offbeat sci-fi body horror film. Like many of his films, from beyond is partially based on a short story by HP Lovecraft and is centered on a scientist who discovers a parallel universe through experimentation on the brain’s pineal gland. Although it did not have the same humor as Gordon’s film of the previous year, Re-animator, from beyond Stands out as one of the more well-crafted body horror films in the subgenre.

The horror and weirdness in from beyond originates from Its detailed special effects result in grotesque imagery. The letters are equally scary as they are disgusting. Moreover, just as he did so wonderfully Re-animatorJeffrey Combs delivers another energetic performance as from beyonds mad scientist, Dr. Crawford Tillinghast.

2

Altered States (1980)

A scientist slips into a dangerous state of consciousness

The history of Changed statesPartly inspired by John C. Lilly’s research conducted in isolation tanks, follows a scientist who steers too far in his experiments hoping to unlock a new state of consciousness With the help of drugs. There are countless topics talked about Changed states Which are strange on the surface, but rewarding to those who choose to surrender to director Ken Russell’s signature eccentric style.

The sci-fi genre, for all its ambitious narrative elements, can be difficult to execute well in films, especially the further back the film is dated. however, Changed states is one of those examples of an ’80s film with imperfect, but compelling special effects that positively add to its overall weird vibe.

However, the bold filming doesn’t exactly mesh with screenwriter Paddy Ciefsky’s intended message, which is why the writer removed his name from the film’s credits.

1

They Live (1988)

A pair of sunglasses reveals a terrible truth about the elite class

What once initially opened as only a minor success became one of John Carpenter’s best sci-fi films. They live Follow Roddy Piper’s Nada, a drifter who stumbles upon a pair of sunglasses that reveal a shocking truth about the upper class. The glasses reveal elite people to be alien-like creatures who strive for power and domination over all. like The stuff, They live Seeks to share his deeper message through a horror lens. however, They lives strange and unlikely tool in which this message is shared works in the film’s favor.

Different from the comically overpowering creamy villain in The stuff, They liveThe sunglasses don’t take away from the horrifying reality that Nada reveals. Carpenter S The thing And Escape from New York are his best known sci-fi films, but the audacity of They live is what has allowed it to earn a cult following in the years following its release. In addition to his commentary on the media, They live Also has a balanced amount of comedy and action, ensuring audiences have a good time.